MISS WHITLEY COUNTY: Fair queen dispels 4-H typecast

July 10, 2013

Jennifer Hinen, a 10-year 4-H member, is the 2013 Miss Whitley County. She will be present at the countyâ€™s 4-H fair in her duties as Miss Whitley County, but also as an active 4-H participant.Post & Mail photo / Jackie Leeuw

COLUMBIA CITY â€” â€śThere she is, Miss Whitley County.â€ť

Jennifer Hinen, a 10-year 4-H member from Columbia City High School, was crowned 2013 Miss Whitley County July 1 at the Mr. and Miss Whitley County Scholarship Program.

Hinen is the daughter of Jeff and Cindy Hinen. Her two older brothers, Jeremy and Justin, have already been through 10 years of 4-H.

Besides being the official host of the 2013 4-H Fair, and in addition to all of her duties as Miss Whitley County, Hinen is also busy with her fair projects â€” beef and swine.

Many people have a stereotype of 4-H and may not view it as a girls activity.

Hinen is defying these stereotypes.

â€śA lot of the members of 4-H are able to be the pretty girl and are able to participate in other activities,â€ť Hinen said. â€śMembers participate in other activities and arenâ€™t always the typical farm girl.â€ť

Ever since Jennifer was young, she dreamed of becoming Miss Whitley County.

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